80% of big companies surveyed did not discuss transgender people in their diversity policies(Reuters)

Out of the UK's biggest listed companies, 80% of them fail to mention non-discrimination policies for transgender employees. And a majority of big companies with more than 1,000 employees have no mention in their company's policy to protect the proportion of their transgender workers.

The figures from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network OUTstanding also found that just under half of big companies fail to include similar policies for lesbian, gay and bisexual employees. The network's chief executive, Neil Bentley, stated: "Lots of companies are failing to communicate their commitment to supporting LGBT employees at work, particularly to transgender people.

"With so many businesses facing skills shortages, companies cannot afford to be complacent and should be using every opportunity to tell their story about inclusion to attract and retain the very best talent."

As transgender people such as Laverne Cox, Janet Mock and Caitlyn Jenner become more visible in the public eye, more acceptance and consideration in the workplace is expected. Bentley also said the outlining of diversity and anti-discrimination measures still lack in companies policies, although the representation of LGBT+ role models in executive roles is more and more prominent.

The survey by OUTstanding found LGBT+ issues were the second most discusses diversity topic, shortly following gender inequality issues.

Bentley said: "From my own experience, I know that there are many enlightened CEOs who value diversity. In fact, 62% of our members say LGBT issues have been publicly discussed by their CEO. It's vital that more businesses – including all those in the FTSE 100 – consider their attitude to LGBT inclusion as an asset worth reporting."